Steering Gear: Service and Repair

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STEERING GEAR - 2WD









Removal and Installation

CAUTION:When repairing the power steering system, care should be taken to prevent the entry of contaminants or premature failure of the power steering components can result.
1. Remove the front wheels and tires. See Removal and Replacement.

2. Place the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position and remove the ignition key.

- Rotate the steering wheel until the steering column locks into position.

3. On vehicles with 4.0L engine, remove the power steering fluid cooler. See Service and Repair.

4. Remove the outer tie-rod end cotter pins and nuts.

- Discard the cotter pins.
- To install, tighten to 80 Nm {8.2kgf-m, 59 ft-lbf}.

5.

CAUTION:Do not damage the tie-rod boot when installing SST 211-001.
NOTE:Remove the adapter from the ball end of SST 211-001. Apply a small amount of grease to the tie-rod end stud and the ball of the special tool.
Using SST 211-001, separate the outer tie-rod ends from the wheel spindles.






6.

CAUTION:Do not allow the intermediate shaft to rotate while it is disconnected from the steering gear or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the intermediate shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. See Service and Repair.Remove the lower steering column shaft to steering gear bolt and disconnect the lower steering column shaft from the gear.

- Discard the bolt.
- To install, tighten to 55 Nm {5.6 kgf-m, 41 ft-lbf}.

7. Remove the steering line clamp plate nut and disconnect the pressure and return lines.

- Discard the O-ring seals.
- To install, tighten to 35 Nm {3.6 kgf-m, 26 ft-lbf}.

8. Plug or cap the power steering return hose, power steering pressure hose and the steering gear ports to prevent the entry of dirt.

9.

CAUTION:Hold the tops of the steering gear studs to avoid damaging the steering gear fluid transfer tubes.Remove the 2 steering gear nuts and the 2 steering gear mounting studs.

- To install, tighten to 150 Nm {15.3 kgf-m, 111 ft-lbf}.

10. Remove the steering gear.

11. If necessary, remove the outer tie-rod ends.

12.

CAUTION:New seals must be installed any time the power steering lines are disconnected from the steering gear.

CAUTION:A new lower steering column shaft bolt must be installed.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.

- Install new power steering line O-ring seals.

13. Fill the power steering system. See Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview.

14. Check and, if necessary, align the front end.